need some personal advice on grades. I am rising 2L at a top 10 school gearing up for OCI. My grades are all around the school median (2.9-3.2) except my grade in property. I almost failed the course(below a 2.0). I was not sick during the exam, but the professor was very old school and apparently gave many low grades. After many attempts, the professor is unwilling to change the grade and I have no idea how to explain this situation to employers. I am interested in working for a firm, does this completely ruin my chances? I would really appreciate honest advice.

For a "market" firm you unfortunately may be dinged for OCI purposes, but for medium sized firms that's totally doable. Most market (aka "BigLaw") firms have an automatic cut off of like 3.3 and above when it comes to GPA. (and that was when I came out during a good economy - I don't know what it is now)

That being said, if you come with a strong recommendation from a professor or a judge or another partner at another firm or especially from a partner at the firm you are applying to, it's been my experience that a good connection overrides everything.

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"A lawyer's either a social engineer or a parasite on society. A social engineer is a highly skilled...lawyer who understands the Constitution of the U.S. and knows how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering [our] conditions."Charles H. Houston

Oh no! Please don't think this board is dying! I have gotten sooo much advice from it and I'm very grateful for those who have contributed thus far! Yes, that makes me the dreaded lurker who doesn't post! Lol Guilty as charged. You have guilted me into speaking up and posting. You ole heads are good at it man!! Anywho, Hi all!!

Oh no! Please don't think this board is dying! I have gotten sooo much advice from it and I'm very grateful for those who have contributed thus far! Yes, that makes me the dreaded lurker who doesn't post! Lol Guilty as charged. You have guilted me into speaking up and posting. You ole heads are good at it man!! Anywho, Hi all!!

Well thanks for speaking up. We need more folks to do the same.

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"A lawyer's either a social engineer or a parasite on society. A social engineer is a highly skilled...lawyer who understands the Constitution of the U.S. and knows how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering [our] conditions."Charles H. Houston

"A lawyer's either a social engineer or a parasite on society. A social engineer is a highly skilled...lawyer who understands the Constitution of the U.S. and knows how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering [our] conditions."Charles H. Houston

I have more than my fair share of some biglaw stories with partners, clients, and other associates that I can put out there as well.

I couldn't make some of this stuff up if I tried.

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"A lawyer's either a social engineer or a parasite on society. A social engineer is a highly skilled...lawyer who understands the Constitution of the U.S. and knows how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering [our] conditions."Charles H. Houston